I have been a quote collector and quote monger for at least as long as I've been an atheist and probably a good deal longer. My admiration for those who enjoy reputations as wordsmiths extends even further back, whether we're talking about John F. Kennedy's assertion: "We choose to go to the moon," George Santayana's warning: "Those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it," or James T. Kirk's deft observation when faced with the dauntingly huge First Federation ship: "Not chess, Mr. Spock ... poker!"

The realm of atheist activism has had its own share of verbal craftsmen and women, from Madalyn Murray O'Hair's: "An atheist believes that a hospital should be built instead of a church." to Aron Ra's succinct: "If you can't show it, you don't know it."

Regardless of the topic, these are words which are capable of fomenting inspiration, reflection, and sometimes even action. They can educate and illuminate the human condition and allow us to better know ourselves. That said, here is an open invitation to share those words which have been particularly meaningful or impactful or timely or just special to you for one reason or another.

Let's share those words and have fun!

One bit of clerical business: please hold your quotes in the comment area below to 20 lines or 200 words. One comment should not so dominate the Home page of this group that no other comment is visible. That way, the briefer comments and quotes of all participants are more likely to be seen, read, and appreciated. If you have a long quote or commentary, create a post, please.

Discussion Forum

“Here, where a thousandCaptains swore grand conquest. . .TallGrass their monument.”― BashoWhat does this quote mean to you? To me it portrays deep deep effort that was for nothing. Deep Deep Wasted…Continue

I saved the comments from the previous quotations group the day before it was cleared and closed. Its creator feels strongly that people's comments (though they were posted publicly) shouldn't be…Continue

AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- The leader of the Air Force Academy delivered a poignant and stern message on race relations in a speech to thousands of cadets after someone wrote racial slurs on message…Continue

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Birds born in a cage think flying is an illness. -- Alejandro Jodorowsky

The above speaks at least a bit to the issue of children indoctrinated with religion. They're brought up with the understanding that certain "truths" are absolute and beyond question, even though they make no logical sense. Shedding those lies once they've been drilled in can be monumentally difficult, and that doesn't even mention the anger and resentment which may follow.

Tom Sarbeck - for a religious indoctrinated child, growing up in isolation, it's a hell of of a job. You know what you don't want because you see it doesn't work, but to find out the alternatives and how they work costs years.

Say what you will about the sweet miracle of unquestioning faith, I consider a capacity for it terrifying and absolutely vile! -- Kurt Vonnegut

There should be no two more frightening words in the English language than "unquestioning faith." They open a Pandora's Box of irrationality and unreason which make more ugly things possible than I could ever hope to count.

“It's now very common to hear people say, 'I'm rather offended by that.' As if that gives them certain rights. It's actually nothing more... than a whine. 'I find that offensive.' It has no meaning; it has no purpose; it has no reason to be respected as a phrase. 'I am offended by that.' Well, so fucking what."